“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

There are other reasons, however, that have added up to a feeling of powerlessness on Ruburt’s part in regard to his physical condition. Both of you have a tendency to concentrate upon the ills of the world—and so that applies also to the mail, for you remember the letters of those who are in difficulty far more than other letters—and Ruburt thinks that he is simply one more person with a problem that seemingly cannot be solved.

Your pendulum sessions have been of benefit, and one reason is because they represent a united, joint and determined effort on both of your parts, and Ruburt feels your support. He therefore feels less lonely in his efforts. The subconscious is of course a hypothetical terms that stands for the portions of the self at which normal consciousness and the source self meet. There are really no hidden beliefs. The pendulum method is simply a technique that is effective because of your beliefs, and brings to light your own quite conscious ideas—those that you might not approve of, and so conveniently appear to forget.

You must understand that basically—basically—both body and mind are mental. You are dealing with translations of impulses, beliefs and feelings into flesh, which in itself is composed of consciousnesses also. It is difficult to verbalize, but your question “Why doesn’t the subconscious know when to stop, if its defenses actually become too dangerous?” is asked in too limited a framework, though I understand your concern and what you mean. The self knows it has many lives to live. It knows no limitations last. The body and mind are one, and in that unity, regardless of appearances, one is the materialization of the other.

However, the source self always attempts to send new information, inspiration, or whatever help is required. The personality—each one—with its own challenges, will seek to solve its problems in its own way. The source self, sending out all assistance that it can, will still not attempt to override the conscious personality, for such actions would ultimately deny the conscious personality its powers of decision and control.

Your immediate situation and all past ones, regardless of personal fears, which should not be discounted, result from Ruburt’s until-now determined decision to stand critically apart from his intuitional knowledge. That knowledge, in other words, consciously assimilated and used, can solve any of the personal problems.

Ruburt’s new inclination for house cleaning is an excellent sign of intent and impulse, and your own support marks your own determination. You saw the bodybuilding program (Pumping Iron). Ruburt’s body is making a valiant effort to readjust and to strengthen itself. When bodybuilders work together they have guidelines to follow. Their muscles hurt. They are aware of each group of muscles. As Ruburt’s muscles exert themselves they often also hurt, but there is no one for him to compare his situation to—and because he has not trusted the body he becomes alarmed.